Annoyed with the tardy investigation by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has written to the Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Kumar Patnaik for the expeditious investigation of First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged by it for Aadhaar data leak.
The FIRs were registered at the Crime Branch police station pertaining to cases of data leak registered under various sections of Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016.
UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey wrote a letter to the Delhi Police Commissioner requesting him to complete the probe and punish the accused persons. The CEO also asked for the status report of the investigation carried out so far. Delhi Police has registered three FIRs in the regard and the CEO sought Patnaik’s direction for the speedy probe of all the three FIRs by the Delhi Police.
“There were incidents of data leaks from various parts of the country and seeing this the UIDAI is now making all precautionary measures to ensure no leaks or fudging of Aadhaar happens,” Pandey wrote in his letter.
“Data contained in the Aadhaar card stands the risk of financial frauds as well as identity thefts of Aadhaar numbers of over 13 crore people linked bank account details” said another official.
Pandey also wanted the police chief to generate awareness among the force about data leak cases that can be registered under Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016.
It may be recalled that the Delhi Police registered three cases in this regard and the first one was lodged on a complaint by the UIDAI bosses that there were two Aadhaar details with the same names. This case was the first such case that was detected and lodged under Aadhaar Act. Overall some 21 incidents of data breaches across the country have been reported and are being probed.
Delhi Police registered the second FIR when they booked the Chairman of Gurgaon-based think tank, for spreading malicious rumors about the Aadhaar-Enabled payments system. The Chairman had written a blog and posted video demonstrating how biometrics could be stored on a device. Since it was a serious breach, an FIR was lodged against him under Sections 34, 37, 9, 5 of Aadhaar regulations and Section 17-sub section 1 of chapter 3 of Aadhaar (authentication) regulations.
launched by Manmohan Singh Government, the Aadhaar, has come under the lens and also lot of criticism following concerns of data leaks and thefts. The Narendra Modi Government too is championing the use of Aadhaar for multifarious purposes and has been pushing for its inclusion for many welfare schemes.
The CEO’s letter is aimed at addressing these issues as the probe and subsequent punishment to the offenders will deter others, said an officer.